LIVE: View outside San Diego mosque after a shooting left five dead, including two suspects

Shooting during midday prayers

The attack occurred at approximately 11:43 a.m. during Dhuhr prayer at the Islamic Center, resulting in three adult fatalities including a security guard who was on duty.

Teenage suspects dead from self-inflicted wounds

The perpetrators were identified as a runaway juvenile and his companion, both found deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a vehicle blocks away from the mosque.

Critical warning signs reported hours earlier

At 9:42 a.m., the mother of one suspect reported her son missing along with several weapons and her vehicle, telling police the teenagers were dressed in camouflage and potentially suicidal.

Active shooter protocol activated immediately

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wall stated officers utilized active shooter protocols to enter the facility room-by-room while securing children and adults gathered for prayer services.

Connected shooting of nearby landscaper

While responding to the mosque, officers received reports that the suspects shot at a landscaper nearby, who survived when the bullet deflected off his hard hat or helmet.

FBI leads multi-agency investigation

FBI Special Agent Mark Remily confirmed the bureau is conducting a preliminary assessment to determine motive, with victim specialists deployed to assist the affected families.

Fears of targeted hate crime

Community activist Nasren Atassi stated the timing during Friday prayers suggests the shooters specifically targeted Muslims gathering for religious observance.

Criticism of municipal leadership

Local residents criticized Mayor Todd Gloria for recently supporting a city council resolution labeling condemnation of Israel as hate speech while failing to adequately condemn violence against Muslim communities.

Parental anxiety at school evacuation

Parents including Mahi Muhammad rushed to the scene fearing for children at the associated Islamic school, though all students were safely evacuated through organized lines.